Chain connector



Jan. 2, 1923. LMLMQL W. T. HOPKE ET AL.

CHAINCONNECTOR.

FILED JAN-30,1922.

WITNESSES Patented Jan. 2, W23.

'W ILLEAIvE T. HUlPKE Alli) JAMES A. SINCELL, 0F GRAFTON, NEST VIRGINIA,

CHAIN CONNECTOR.

Application filed January 30, 1922. Serial Ito. 532,835.

To dlwhom it may concern.

Be it known that we... IL-Limit T. Horns, and {FAILES SlNCELL, citizens oi the United States, residing at Grafton, in the county of Taylor and State of West Virginia, have invented new and useful linprovements in Chain Connectors, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in non-skid chains for vehicle tires and has particular relation to means for securing the chains in position for use.

in object of the present invention is the provision of a novel form of chain connector or hook, by means of which the free ends of the chains may be quickly and easily con nected in a manner to prevent their accidental separation, yet permit them to be quickly and easily separated when. it is desired to remove the chains.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of the above character, which is simple of construction and operation and which in addition, is cheap to manufacture, being stamped from sheet metal with the use of a single die and in one operation.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention further includes the following novel features and details of construction, to be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the appended claim.

In the drawings z- Figure 1 is. a fragmentary elevation of a portion of a non-skid chain with the invention applied thereto the chain being shown in connected position.

Figure 2 is a similar view with the connector or hook partly opened preparatory to the separation of the chain.

Figure 3 is a like View showing the chain released.

Figure 4 is a plan view showing the parts in the position illustrated in Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts, the reference character 10 indicates the adjacent ends of the longitudinal members of a non-skid chain, the cross members or chains by means of which the longitudinal members are connected being indicated at 11.

For the purpose of detachably connecting the adjacent free ends of the longitudinal members 10 together, the invention provides a connector or hook which is formed of a pair of complemental members 12. Each of these members is preferably stamped from fiat metal and is provided at one end with an opening 13 for the passage of a pivot pin, by means of which the members may be pivotally connected together and pivotally secured to one end of the chain 10. luach member is further provided with a longitudinally disposed slot 1% which tapers at its inner end, at which end it communicates with a transverse slot 15. This last mentioned slot opens at one side edge of the member 12 and is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the slot 14.

When the members 12 are secured to the end of the chain, they are arranged in su perposed relation with the slots 15 extending in opposite directions and are connected together and to the chain 10 by a pivot pin 16 so as to permit of relative pivotal movement. In use, the members are opened to the position shown in Figure 3 and the free end of the chain is inserted in one of the entrance slots 15, the members being partly closed and the end link of the chain moved in a direction toward the enlarged end of the slot 1e until the said link reaches the outer end of the other entrance slot 15. The link is then moved inward along this slot to the position shown in Figure 2, whereupon the members may be completely closed and the link moved to the outer end of the slot 14. The slots 14 of the two members thus provide a completely closed slot so as to return the engaged link in place.

If desired, the members may be provided with an additional opening 17 which is located at the longitudinal center of the members so that when the latter are closed, the slots 17 will be brought into register for the passage of a cotter pin or other suitable locking element.

By the construct-ion shown and described, the connector may be made with the use of a single die, the members being reversed to reverse the position of the open ends of the entrance slots 15 and as the openings 13 and 17 are located on the longitudinal center members, they may be brought into register for the passage of the pivot pin 16 and a suitable locking element.

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly fail Within the. scope of the appended claim.

Having described the invention What is claimed is i Y A chain connector comprising e pair of complemental members arranged in super-- imposed relation and pivotally connected together at one end, each of said'members being provided with a longitudinally disposed 10 slot and an angularly disposed slot extend- I ingfrom the inne'rend of the firstmentioned slot and theengul'arly disp'osed'slots of the said members being open at their outer ends and inclined oppositely and outwardly in a direction away from the pivoted ends of said 15 members. 7 s

In testimony whereof We atfix our signatures. V I

WILLIAM '1. HOPKE. JAMES A. SINGELL. 

